I found and bought a bottle of of Ron Carlos dark rum based on one of these Mai Kai threads that said it's one of the rums they use. It tastes like paint thinner and after one Cuba Libre I can say it's going to be a liter of rum that will be around for a while. I have no idea what to use this stuff in. It will have to be a bit player 8 some very strong flavored cocktails for sure.

Thankfully I also added Sailor Jerry and a bottle of cockspur to the home bar.

stormrider: The Lost Spirits folks tell me they're working on getting Florida distribution, so keep an eye out.

Re Ron Carlos, that should come with a disclaimer. It's The Mai-Kai's well rum, meaning it's used as a base and not typically a featured flavor. In the mild and medium drinks, it's usually hidden behind the juices, syrups and spices. You'll usually find Appleton, Kohala Bay and/or Lemon Hart in the stronger drinks. I don't even recommend using it in my tribute recipes. I have bottles of it gathering dust. There are much better low-cost rums out there (Cruzan, Don Q, Flor de Caña, at al.)

Yessir, that't the hot tip. Any friends or family who visit the Carribbean are able to quietly bring back some very nice things.
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The cost to hand-check luggage, and the time delays caused to disembarking travelers, seem to make this possible. As long as it doesn't get out of hand, I think we're okay getting an occasional "special gift" when we ourselves, or our friends and family, travel.
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What made you buy the Stroh 80? Everyone I talk to hates it, even many here on TC. But it is an amazing ingredient, especially if you have the Frankie's Tiki Room drink recipe book.
_________________I need to spend more time in my bar and less time posting on Tiki Central...